In a move that reflects mounting divisions over the post-conflict plans for Gaza, Benny Gantz, an Israeli war cabinet minister, has stepped down from the emergency government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gantz made the announcement during a news conference held in Tel Aviv on Sunday, expressing his resignation with a "heavy heart."

Speaking about his decision, Gantz criticized Netanyahu's handling of the crisis and accused him of hindering the path to true victory. He emphasized the need for elections and urged the prime minister to set a date for them. Netanyahu, in response, posted on social media, calling on Gantz to join forces instead of quitting the campaign.

Last month, Gantz had set a deadline of 8 June for Netanyahu to present a plan to accomplish Israel's six strategic goals, which included ending Hamas rule in Gaza and establishing a multinational civilian administration for the region. Netanyahu had dismissed these demands as "washed-up words" that would lead to defeat for Israel.

As a retired army general and frequent critic of Netanyahu, Gantz held a significant position in the war cabinet alongside the prime minister and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. During the news conference, Gantz announced not only his personal resignation from the government but also the withdrawal of his National Unity party, which he chairs.

It is important to note that Gantz's departure will not topple the Israeli government, as Netanyahu will still maintain a comfortable majority of 64 in the 120-seat Knesset. However, the resignation exposes the deep political divisions regarding Netanyahu's leadership during the ongoing conflict.

As a political rival of Netanyahu and a former IDF chief of staff, Gantz's centrist National Unity party had been in opposition until 11 October 2023, when he joined forces with Netanyahu to form an emergency government following Hamas's attacks on 7 October. Within the emergency government, National Unity held five posts, and Gantz's influence was widely regarded as a counterbalance to the far-right members of Netanyahu's coalition.